VBS - 2025: Under the Big Top
I can see It in my mind’s eye. One hundred kids under our “circus” tent gathered around the two rings in the middle of the tent. One ring is our story-telling ring, the other our entertainment ring. We have our ringmaster and two clowns who introduce us to our Bible lesson circus people (Daniel the Lion Tamer, Samson the Strong Man, Noah the Animal Keeper and so many others). Bible stories that some kids might never have heard of—but all that have an important message for each of them. Then we switch rings and see a juggler, a magician, some exotic pets from our petting zoo, face art and balloon art! Great circus entertainment! Stomachs are full from a great supper prepared by our awesome kitchen ladies and anticipation is high for the snacks at the end of the night. Who doesn’t like circus food like slushies, popcorn, cotton candy! Team games are the thing this year—or circus talent being honed by the world’s finest teachers! And crafts this year will be over the top—something to hang on to for years to come! As I read over what I have just written, I notice all the exclamation marks at the end of my sentences. I’ve decided to keep them in for effect. I mean, this is fun, fun, fun! Vacation Bible School here at Steamboat Rock Baptist Church has never been boring—but this year is truly special. Outside, under our circus tents, at night—jam packed fun for each child entering Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. Who wouldn’t want to come?
So many things going on during VBS—it’s like a 3-ring circus! Well, this year that comment could be taken quite literally. But, in the midst of all the work, all the volunteers, all the preparation, all the controlled chaos—someone might ask—is it really worth it? Is any of this actually making a difference? The answer is ABSOLUTELY! More than we really know. Because, while we see the mess, the last-minute changes, the tech glitches, as well as the fun, the excitement, the glory, Heaven sees the ministry, the heart, the miracles.
God sees the child who finally opens up and smiles. He sees the exhausted volunteer who shows up one more night—still smiling and ready to pour himself into these kids. He sees the teenager who is discovering their gift for leading. God sees that child who is asking big questions about faith. He sees the quiet prayer whispered during worship, the courage of a child to speak up and volunteer an answer, or the faith being formed in hearing about great men and women of the Bible. God sees the child being accepted and loved by his leader, the teen being seen by his small group of kids as a leader, the older adults realizing that they can still serve in ministry, the young parent volunteering with other kids and appreciating his own even more! God sees every moment and He’s using all of it. The Holy Spirit is moving in ways we can’t see and bringing in a harvest that is plentiful and will bring benefits to everyone involved—even in years to come.
God sees each child, each volunteer, each leader, each team leader, each activity. God sees YOU. Won’t you join us this year?
Written by Shari Coelho, Children’s Ministry Director
You can contact Shari for more information or to volunteer: (515) 344-5921 or shari@steamboatbaptist.org.
Because Jesus Loves Children!